Dr. Carolyn Stanford Grotkowski

Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Dr. Grotkowski passed away at her home on August 17, 2026. She was known for her warmth, quick wit, directness, and inclusive personality. Married to Leon Grotkowski since October 1988. She was predeceased by her parents (Jean Lindner and Leroy Stanford), her brother Roy, and her ex-husband, Joseph Ernst. Daughters Aubrie Ernst, Nicole E. Farney, and Julie Grotkowski; sons Carl and James Grotkowski. Wyatt and Oliver Farney and Luke and Leia Grotkowski. Survived by her younger brother, Steven Stanford, his wife Nancy, and their children Mallory and Jacob. A pioneering cytopathologist who graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 1976 and practiced medicine in Camden, NJ, for over 45 years. She was recognized for her landmark studies on tumors and cysts, co-authoring work on cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination, and solving rare medical mysteries. She earned her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in 1976 from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Internship: She completed a one-year internship in internal medicine (1976–1977) at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Residency: She completed her residency training in anatomic and clinical pathology (1977–1982) at the University of Pennsylvania Health System in Philadelphia. Notable Hospital Affiliations: Medical College of Pennsylvania (MCP) / Allegheny: Earlier in her career, she practiced and taught pathology within the Medical College of Pennsylvania hospital network (which later merged to become part of the Allegheny University hospital system in Philadelphia). Cooper University Hospital: She spent over 45 years in the region, ultimately serving as a mainstay board-certified pathologist and cytopathologist at Cooper University Health Care in Camden, NJ. Dr. Carolyn S. Ernst co-authored foundational pathology research focusing on thyroid cytopathology and the utility of fine-needle aspiration in distinguishing follicular neoplasms. Additional collaborative work evaluated diagnostic criteria for papillary carcinoma variants and identified early colonic tumor biomarkers using human monoclonal antibodies. More information is available on researchgate.net A memorial service will be held 3 pm Saturday, Sept. 12th, 2026. at the Lewis Funeral Home, 78 E. Main St. Moorestown, NJ. Visitation from 2- 3 pm at the funeral home. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers. The family requests donations be made to the Autism speaks https://www.autismspeaks.org/?form=donate.